Angina discomfort

[chdjazz]

Angina diagnosed back in 2018, I originally had a couple of bouts of chest tightness which prompted my visit to the docs. Since then I only get a dull ache across my left shoulder blade. I was wondering if anyone else has the same, I only get pain when I walk in the afternoon, even just strolling. Strangely the cold doesnt affect me (in the mornings at least) but when warm anything over 21 degrees brings on the pain even when just strolling so I avoid doing anything when its warm ( holidays in Spain and Greece are no longer on the agenda)

I walk most mornings, brisk walk for 30 minutes with no pain but in the afternoon I have a 70% chance of getting some discomfort from a simple stroll.

Does anyone else get similar?

[Hidden]

Have you talked to your GP; if you are on medication a tweak may be required?

Do you use a GTN spray? If so does it work? If you don't have one they are apparently available over the counter, or again talk to your GP.

Do you have a large meal at lunchtime prior to your pm walk?

[chdjazz in reply to Hidden]

Hi LowerField, thanks for your reply. No I haven't spoken to my GP yet. I have a GTN spray but have been reluctant to use it for what I consider discomfort(maybe that's wrong). I tend to avoid walking after eating a large meal at lunchtime , guaranteed to be a bad idea. I did take a dose of GTN before I walked this afternoon and it helped, maybe thats what I need to do now !

[Heather1957 in reply to chdjazz]

Please don't be afraid to use it, I used to be very reluctant but it helps the medics to diagnose you. I was reluctant to use my spray (I really don't know why) but I certainly won't be if I get an angina attack in the future.

I know many people who use the spray pre-emptively, if they know certain exercises bring on angina pain they spray before starting that exercise.

I think it is a matter of trial an error, but use the spray, it can't hurt you (maybe a little headache) but all being well it will sort out the discomfort.

[chdjazz in reply to Heather1957]

Thanks Heather, I am going to take your advice nad start using the GTN spray, I don't know maybe its reluctance to accept my health situation !

I much appreciate your reply.

[Heather1957 in reply to chdjazz]

In hindsight I wish I'd used from the start. Using it won't hurt you but if it works brilliant. Be prepared for a headache the first few times you use it but it usually goes after the first few times.

It doesn't taste to bad either.

[RailRover]

Have you had an angiogram to evaluate the level of disease in your coronary arteries? If not, I would certainly be pushing for this for two reasons. First, they may stent you during the procedure and eradicate your angina pain, but second, and much more importantly, you may avoid a heart attack, forestall heart muscle damage, and quite possibly save your life. As a veteran of a heart attack at precisely your age (my pulse rate was down to 21 in the acute stage), two angiograms, stent and triple bypass surgery, I advise you not to delay. It could be the best thing you ever did for yourself.

[chdjazz in reply to RailRover]

Hi, thanks for your reply. Yes had an angiogram in 2018, nothing since then. I am going to have a chat with my GP and take it from there as things are certainly different now. Cheers